WO2007024033A1

WO2007024033A1 - Eyelet for radio frequency identification

Info

Publication number: WO2007024033A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/002791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong Woong Ryu; Jae Hyung Ryu
Original assignee: Rfcamp Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-08-24
Filing date: 2005-08-24
Publication date: 2007-03-01

Abstract

An eyelet for RFID which may function in non-contact identification comprises an RFID washer including an eyelet substrate with a washer hole, an antenna formed on the eyelet substrate, and an RFID circuit formed on the eyelet substrate to be electrically connected with the antenna; and an eyelet base including a rim disposed against the RFID washer with an object therebetween, and a barrel integrally formed with the rim, passing through the object and the washer hole to be fixed to the RFID washer.

Description

EYELET FOR RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tag using Radio Frequency Identification (RPID) technology, and more particularly, to a tag for RFID, which may be applied regardless of the type and form of an object requiring identification and be applicable for multiuse.

Background Art An RFID tag generally composed of an antenna and an IC chip receives and transmits predetermined data with an external reading unit. The RFID tag is called a transponder. The RFID tag may receive and transmit requested data from an external reader-writer device by a non-contact method. As examples, the RFID tag is used for managing goods due to its non-contact nature, and is used in various IC cards for payment or a pass. The RFID tag may receive and transmit data with a reader- writer device by the non-contact method. According to one method, since the RFID tag generates its own electric power by receiving a high frequency from the reader-writer device and generating an induced current, the RFID tag may be operated without a battery. [Table 1]

As illustrated in Table 1 , there are many methods for providing an RFID tag, such as using a tag as is, producing a card-type tag using lamination, a method of using an adhesive material such as a sticker, forming a tag by molding, etc. However, a method of using a tag for packages or clothes has advantages in which engaging is simple and recycling is possible, and disadvantages in which a risk of loss exists and a tag may be easily damaged by an external impact. Also, a tag manufactured by molding has an advantage of protecting an inner RFID module in order to be used in a harsh environment, but has disadvantages in which the tag manufactured by molding may not be recycled, and molding itself has relatively higher costs, and is a more difficult method than other processes.

As described above, the RFID tag is composed of an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Basically, a substrate formed in a sheet shape and composed of a plastic material such as PVC, PCB, PE, and PA, and the substrate is formed to a thickness of less than approximately 100 μm to form the antenna. A wire section of the antenna is installed on the substrate with a chip or connected to the chip outside of a film by using a direct bonding method or an embedding method.

Generally, the size of the RFID tag is determined by various features such as the size of a chip, the size of an antenna, the degree of technical skill in designing/manufacturing the RFID tag, and whether a battery is installed for generating electric power depending upon an active or a passive method. Currently, since the technical level with respect to the size of the chip and the proficiency has been notably improved, the size of the RFID tag is mainly determined depending on the size of the antenna. Accordingly, the size of the antenna is determined depending on recognition range required in the reader-writer device, and the size of the RFID tag may be enlarged or reduced according to the determined antenna size. Also, the size of the antenna may be determined according to the range of used frequency. Since a frequency recently employed in a conventional RFID is in a band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz, there is a limitation in the size of the antenna and the material of housings. However, it will be attempted to use communication frequency for RFID greater than approximately 900 MHz, and thereby relaxing the limitation on the antenna size and housing material. Accordingly, it is expected that the size of RFID tags may be substantially reduced and RFID tags in various forms in which shapes and sizes are not limited may be realized.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Goals However, an RFID tag which is easily engaged and installed, from the conventional RFID tag, has disadvantages in which a risk of a loss or a separation of the RFID tag may exist, and the RFID tag may be affected by a harsh environment. An RFID tag which is insulated by the molding to separate the RFID module from the harsh environment has been proposed. However, a manufacturing process is complex due to a complex injection molding process. Also, the injection molding costs a great deal of money, and thereby may cause a high manufacturing expense and a high selling price. Also, the RFID tag which is separated from the RFID module manufactured by the injection molding may not be recycled.

The present invention provides an RFID tag which may be easily engaged and installed, as well as simply separated, and thereby may be recycled.

The present invention also provides an RFID tag which may effectively protect an RFID module from a harsh environment, and reduce a space occupied by the RFID tag.

The present invention also provides an RFID tag which may be variously used, use an existing coupling device as is, and thereby have a high efficiency.

The present invention also provides an RFID tag which may first, fix an RFID module and not disturb smooth communication between the RFID module and a reader- writer device, and second, protect the RFID module from an external impact.

The present invention also provides an RFID tag which has a structure capable of embodying various shapes and colors and may be valuably utilized in other uses in addition to being used as a tag.

Technical solutions

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an eyelet for RFID (hereinafter, referred to as an RFID eyelet for convenience of description) including an RFID washer, and an eyelet base.

An eyelet is generally composed of an eyelet base corresponding to a male part and an eyelet washer corresponding to a female part. The eyelet washer includes a washer hole, and the eyelet base includes a rim and a barrel. The rim is disposed against the eyelet washer with an object therebetween, and the barrel is fixed to the eyelet washer. The barrel may be in a shape of a pipe, a separated pipe, or a leg. Also, the barrel passes the object and a washer hole to be fixed to the eyelet washer. In the present specification, the meaning of the eyelet or grommet includes not only an eyelet as a simple fastener but also an eyelet for forming a relatively strengthened hole on a weak material such as a paper and a textile, or for decorating clothes or fabrics.

However, in an eyelet according to the present invention, an RPID washer which is an RFID module is used as an eyelet washer, and engaged with an eyelet base. Basically, in constructing an RFID tag, advantages of an eyelet and the RFID tag may be obtained by using a structure of a conventional eyelet. Also, the eyelet according to the present invention may be widely used, since the eyelet washer and the RFID module are integrally formed. However, an eyelet is generally composed of a metal with high malleability and ductility such as aluminum or copper, which is a conductive material. The conductive material may disturb a smooth communication between the RFID tag and the reader- writer device, regardless of the antenna size and frequency band. When the RFID tag is attached to a metal surface or is covered by the metal to protect the RFID tag, eddy current occurs in the metal caused by alternating current magnetic field generated by electromagnetic waves. The eddy current generates magnetic flux bounding against magnetic flux for transmission and receipt to attenuate the magnetic flux for transmission and receipt, thereby disturbing the smooth communication. Particularly, conventionally used frequency which is less than approximately 13.56 MHz corresponds to a relatively low frequency, and there are many disadvantages generated by communication failure caused by peripheral conductive material in using RFID tags in the frequency band.

The RFID washer is disposed against the eyelet base with an object therebetween. Accordingly, even when the eyelet base is composed of the conductive material, the RFID washer may not be greatly affected by an electromagnetic wave. Thus, the RFID eyelet according to the present invention may be used in a low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz without a disruption of the electromagnetic wave. Also, the disruption of the electromagnetic wave may be prevented by using an eyelet base which is composed of a nonconductive material such as a plastic, or interposing a magnetic shield such as a ferrite between the RFID washer and the eyelet base. The RPID washer includes an eyelet substrate, an antenna, and an RFID circuit.

A conventional eyelet has a small size between several mms and several tens of mms. However, since RFID-related technologies have been improved, the RFID circuit may be embodied in a chip form. Also, as RFID-related technologies associated with an antenna manufacturing have been developed, a size of the RFID module may be controlled. Also, functions of a washer, an information sheet, and an RFID module may be combined by manufacturing the RFID washer having a size of a conventional tag.

The RFID module may be effectively fixed to the object by using a conventional eyelet structure, and an existing eyelet function may be maintained and improved, and thereby be economical. Also, the RFID module according to the present invention is also economical, in that an existing coupling device may be utilized as it is. Also, since the eyelet is widely used in many fields in real life, the application field and ripple effects may enormously grow. Since the process of manufacturing and equipping the eyelet is also simple and there are already many manufacturing facility systems, the cost of the RFID tag may be notably lowered.

For example, currently eyelets are used in tags used for identifying goods sent by air freight or rail freight. In this case, if the RFID eyelet replaces a conventional ordinary eyelet, information on goods may be automatically obtained instead of individually confirming, and lost articles and/or wrong deliveries may be prevented. Also, the RFID eyelet may endure external impacts or other harsh environments and protect the RFID module. In the case the RFID tag is engaged with a package by a wire or a rubber band, the tag may be separated to be recycled, which is very economical.

Also, the RFID eyelet may be simply fixed to various objects by using conventional eyelet interlock units, and a non-contact method identification technology using RFID via the RFID eyelet may be applied to various fields, not only fields in which eyelets are used, such as clothes, shoes, lightproof tents, tents for construction materials, but also some fields in which eyelets are not used.

An attempt to use a communication frequency for RFID greater than approximately 900 MHz has been made, and the antenna may not be exposed from the rim or the eyelet washer by using a high frequency. Also, the size of the RFID tag may be substantially reduced and RFID tags in various forms in which shapes and sizes are not limited may be realized. Particularly, when the high frequency greater than 900

MHz is used, RFID function may be performed by the dipole antenna which may be polarized. The dipole antenna may be composed of a wire having a predetermined length, and a shape of the dipole antenna may be straight, U-shaped, and the like. In this instance, an inverse scattering method is used in the dipole antenna.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID eyelet according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state of engagement of the

RFID eyelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating portion A of FIG. 2 for describing a structure of an RFID washer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating portion A of FIG. 2 for describing an RFID eyelet according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an RFID eyelet according to still another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an RFID washer of an RFID eyelet according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID eyelet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state of engagement of the RFID eyelet according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID eyelet according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating a state of engagement of the RFID eyelet according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID eyelet according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state of engagement of the RFID eyelet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating portion A of FIG. 2 for describing a structure of an RFID washer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the RFID eyelet 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an RFID washer 110, and an eyelet base

120. An object OBJ is interposed between the RFID washer 110 and the eyelet base

120. The RFID washer 110 and the eyelet base 120 are fixed to each other by engaging each other.

The RFID washer 110 includes an eyelet substrate 112, an antenna 116, and an RFID chip 118. The eyelet substrate 112 includes a washer hole 114. The antenna 116 is formed around the washer hole 114 on the eyelet substrate 112. The RFID chip 118 is electrically connected with the antenna 116.

The eyelet substrate 112 is ring-shaped, and composed of a nonconductive material such as PVC, PCB, PE, and PA. Also, the eyelet substrate 112 is formed in a multi-layer structure to improve a bending strength. As shown in FIG. 3, one eyelet substrate 112 is formed by stacking three plastic thin plates. When the plastic thin plates have an anisotropic property, it is preferable that the plastic thin plates are stacked by turns, so that textures of the plastic thin plates are crossed each other. Accordingly, a strength of each of the plastic thin plate may be complemented, and the strength of the eyelet substrate 112 may become stronger. Such improvement of the strength is very important, since the eyelet substrate 112, on which an RFID module is formed, functions as an eyelet washer. Also, an internal margin may be formed around the washer hole 114. The eyelet base 120 and the RFID washer 110 are fixed to each other at the internal margin. In the present embodiment, although the eyelet substrate 112 is composed of three thin plates, an eyelet substrate according to embodiments of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of plastic thin plates. The antenna 116 is formed on the eyelet substrate 112 around the washer hole

114. The antenna 116 is ring-shaped as a whole, and composed of a conductive material such as aluminum, iron, or copper. In this instance, the conductive material is formed in a shape of a spiral. In this specification, the shape of the spiral refers to a spiral which is basically circular shaped as well as a spiral which is in a shape of a polygon such as a square or a hexagon, which wind round and round. Also, the shape of the spiral may refer to various forms of configuration to move an electron.

A copper thin film or aluminum thin film is formed on the eyelet substrate 112, and the thin film is partially removed according to an antenna pattern by an etching method, thereby forming the antenna 116. Also, the wire section of the antenna 116 may be formed by an embedding method.

The RFID chip 118 is installed on the eyelet substrate 112, and electrically connected with the antenna pattern of the copper thin film or the aluminum thin film, and thereby forming the RFID washer 110.

The eyelet base 120 is disposed against the RFID washer 110, and composed of the conductive material. The eyelet base 120 includes a rim 125 which is circular shaped, and a barrel 130. In this instance, the barrel 130 is integrally formed with the rim 125, and in a shape of a pipe. Also, the barrel 130 passes a hole of the object OBJ, and the washer hole 114 of the RFID washer 110. The barrel 130 passing the RFID washer 110 is protruded to an outside of the washer hole 114. Also, the barrel 130 passing the RFID washer 110 is pressed by a punch press P, and wound by a ring-shaped groove of the punch press P from an end of the barrel 130. As a result of the winding, a winding section 136 is formed, and the winding section 136 is closely attached to the internal margin 113 by winding. Accordingly, the RFID washer 110 and the eyelet base 120 are fixed to each other. In the present invention, winding is used to engage the RFID washer 110 with the eyelet base 120. However, other conventional methods may be used and an RFID eyelet which is engaged by the other methods fall within the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the eyelet base 120, the object OBJ, and the RFID washer 110 are sequentially formed. The barrel 130 passing the washer hole 114 prevents the RFID washer 110 from moving widthwise. Also, the RFID washer 110 and the eyelet base 120 are closely attached to each other, fixed to the object OBJ by the punch press P, and thereby may prevent the RFID washer from moving up and down. Also, a number of collisions between the RFID washer 110 and another adjacent object may be reduced, since the RFID washer 110 is closely attached to the object OBJ. Although the collision occurs, the RFID washer 110 may be effectively protected, since an impact due to the collision may be absorbed by the object OBJ. FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating portion A of FIG. 2 for describing an RFID eyelet according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, an RFID washer 140 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an eyelet substrate 142, an antenna 146, and an RFID chip 148. In the present invention, the antenna 146 and the RFID chip 148 are formed in a multi-layer structure, whereas an antenna 116 and an RFID chip 118 are formed on an eyelet substrate 112 in the first embodiment. Accordingly, each RFID component which is sensitive to an external impact or an environment may be safely protected. Also, the RFID eyelet according to the present embodiment may be utilized for an experiment in a harsh environment or a product which is designed for hard use, without a damage of a tag. In addition, the RFID washer 140 may be used much longer, since the RFID component is protected, and costs related to the RFID eyelet may be reduced due to a recycling of the RFID washer 140.

However, in the RFID eyelet 100 according to the first embodiment, since the eyelet base 120 is composed of the conductive material, an eddy current may occur when approaching a reader-writer device. The eddy current may disturb a communication between the RFID washer 110 and the reader- writer device. In this instance, the RFID washer 110 is not highly affected by the conductive material, since the RFID washer 110 is spaced apart from the eyelet base 120. Also, a reception rate of the RFID eyelet 100 may be improved by interposing a magnetic shield between the eyelet base 120 and the RFID washer 110.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an RFID eyelet according to still another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the RFID eyelet 101 includes an RFID washer 110, and eyelet base 120. The eyelet base 120 includes a rim 125 and a barrel 130. Compared to the RFID eyelet 100 according to the first embodiment, the RFID eyelet 101 according to the present embodiment further includes a magnetic shield 150. Also, an object OBJ, the magnetic shield 150, and the eyelet base 120 are sequentially formed on the RFID washer 110.

The magnetic shield 150 such as a ferrite may insulate against an external electromagnetic wave, and may prevent electromagnetic communication from being disturbed by the eyelet base 120. Accordingly, improved communication efficiency may be provided by using the magnetic shield 150 in a range of a high frequency band of greater than approximately 900 MHz as well as a low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the RFID eyelet 100 according to the first embodiment may be used in the low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz as well as the high frequency band of greater than approximately 900 MHz. Specifically, the RFID eyelet 100 closely passes the reader- writer device which is not shown, and receives a signal with respect to a data request from the reader-writer device, and the RFID chip 118 may generate a signal in response to the signal received from the antenna 116 and/or modify stored data inside.

The object OBJ may be a tag which is engaged with a package to indicate a destination and originating position of a package, or may be a tag which is used for all sorts of mail, packages, wraps, clothes, tents for freight cars, and managing animals. Also, the RFID eyelet may be formed in various shapes, and the eyelet may be variously changed according to requirements or tendency of a user. Examples of using a conventional eyelet as a fastener may be applied to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an RFID washer of an RFID eyelet according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the present invention

Referring to FIG. 6, an inductively coupled antenna 116 which is a coil type, and a dipole antenna A may be used in the RFID washer 110. The dipole antenna A which may be utilized in an RFID module, and an RFID chip C may be manufactured in a variety of forms and sizes, as shown in (a) through (d) of FIG. 6. Also, the dipole antenna A and the RFID chip C may be replaced with existing and developable polarized antennas. Particularly, such antennas may be effectively used in an ultra high frequency (UHF) which is greater than approximately 900 MHz.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID eyelet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state of engagement of the RFID eyelet according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the RFID eyelet 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an RFID washer 210, and an eyelet base 220. An object OBJ is interposed between the RFID washer 210 and the eyelet base 220. The RFID washer 210 and the eyelet base 220 are fixed to each other by engaging each other. In this instance, a structure and principle of the RFID eyelet 200 is basically similar to those of the RFID eyelet 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, for a general description of the RFID eyelet 200, the first embodiment of the present invention may be referred to. However, in the RFID eyelet 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a size of an antenna 216 is greater than a size of a rim 225. Also, a whole portion of the antenna 216 is exposed to an outside of a rim 225. Accordingly, the RFID washer 210 may be applicable to an RFID tag for a reader-writer device using a low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz. The RFID washer 210 includes an eyelet substrate 212, an antenna 216, and an

RFID chip 218. In this instance, the eyelet substrate 212 includes a washer hole 214, the antenna 216 is formed around the washer hole 214 on the eyelet substrate 212, and the RFID chip 218 is electrically connected with the antenna 216.

In the present embodiment, a size of the eyelet substrate 212 is greater than the size of the rim 225 of the eyelet base 220. Also, the eyelet substrate 212 is ring-shaped and includes the washer hole 214. In the eyelet substrate 212, a non-conductive material such as PVC, PCB, PE, and PA is formed in a multi-layer structure, and thereby may improve a strength. An internal margin is formed around the washer hole 214. The eyelet base 220 and the RFID washer 210 are fixed to each other by the internal margin 214.

The antenna 216 is formed around the washer hole 214 on the eyelet substrate 212. Specifically, the antenna 216 is ring-shaped as a whole, and composed of a conductive material such as aluminum, iron, or copper. In this instance, the conductive material is formed in a shape of a spiral. Also, the antenna 216 is spaced apart from the rim 225 by a predetermined distance. In this instance, it is desirable that the predetermined distance corresponds to at least approximately 5 mm. Accordingly, an interference of electromagnetic communication caused by the rim 225 which is composed of the conductive material may be prevented. However, the predetermined distance may be reduced depending on a frequency band or an application example.

The RFID chip 218 is installed on the eyelet substrate 212, and electrically connected with an antenna pattern of the copper thin film or the aluminum thin film which forms the antenna 216, and thereby forming the RFID washer 210. The antenna 216 and the RFID chip 218 faces the eyelet base 220. The RFID washer 210 and the eyelet base 220 are fixed to each other. Accordingly, the antenna 216 and the RFID chip 218 are closely attached to the object OBJ.

The eyelet base 220 is disposed against the RFID washer 210. The eyelet base 220 is composed of the conductive material, and includes the rim 225 and a barrel 230. In this instance, the rim 225 is circular shaped, and the barrel 230 is integrally formed with the rim 225. The barrel 230 is in a form of a pipe, and passes a hole of the object OBJ, and a washer hole 214 of the RFID washer 210. The barrel 230 which is protruded from the RFID washer 210 is pressed by a punch press, is wound by a ring- shaped groove of the punch press P, and thereby forming a winding section 236. In this instance, the eyelet base 220 and the RFID washer 210 are fixed by closely attaching the winding section 236 to the internal margin 213. In the present embodiment, the eyelet base 220 and the RFID washer 210 are engaged by winding. However, conventional methods may be used and an RFID eyelet which is engaged by the other methods fall within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the eyelet base 220, the object OBJ, and the RFID washer 210 are sequentially formed. The barrel 230 passing the washer hole 214 prevents the RFID washer 210 from moving widthwise. Also, the RPID washer 210 may be prevented from moving up and down since the RFID washer 210 and the eyelet base 220 are closely attached to each other and fixed to the object OBJ by the punch press P.

Also, the RFID eyelet 200 according to the present embodiment may be used in a low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz as well as a high frequency band of greater than approximately 900 MHz. Specifically, the RFID eyelet 200 closely passes the reader-writer device which is not shown, and receives a signal with respect to a data request from the reader- writer device, and the RFID chip 218 may generate a signal in response to the signal received from the antenna 216 and/or modify stored data inside.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the RFID eyelet 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, improved communication efficiency may be provided by interposing a magnetic shield such as a ferrite between the rim 225 and the RFID washer 210. Also, a description of the present embodiment may refer to a description of the above-described embodiment, and another modified embodiment which has been described in the above-described embodiment may be applicable to the present embodiment.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an RFID eyelet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating a state of engagement of the RFID eyelet according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the RFID eyelet 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an RFID washer 310, and an eyelet base 320. An object OBJ is interposed between the RFID washer 310 and the eyelet base 320. The RFID washer 310 and the eyelet base 320 are fixed to each other by engaging each other. In this instance, a structure and principle of the RFID eyelet 300 is basically similar to those of the RFID eyelet according to the above described embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, for a general description of the RFID eyelet 300, the above described embodiments of the present invention may be referred to. However, in the present embodiment, the RFID washer 310 is large, compared to the RFID washer according to the above described embodiments, and information such as a product number or a price may be indicated on an eyelet substrate 312. Accordingly, the RFID washer 310 itself may be used as a tag. Also, an antenna 316 is exposed to an outside of a rim 325, and a barrel 330 includes two barrel legs 332 and 334 which are not pipe-shaped. Accordingly, the RFID eyelet 300 may be easily installed and separated.

The RFID washer 310 according to the present embodiment may be used as a washer for fixing the eyelet base 320, and the tag for indicating the information such as the product number or the price. Also, a user may install and separate an RFID tag more easily since a conventional tag and RFID module are integrally formed with an eyelet washer. In addition, a reduction in a distribution cost and a convenience of management may be obtained by managing a product or a distribution through mass production.

A communication failure between the rim 325 and the barrel legs 332 and 334 is prevented by the antenna 316 according to the present embodiment, and RFID eyelet 300 may be used in a low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz.

The eyelet base 320 is composed of a conductive material, and includes the rim 325 which is circular shaped, and the barrel 330. In this instance, the barrel 330 is integrally formed with the rim 325. The barrel 330 includes a first barrel leg 332 and a second barrel leg 334. Also, the first barrel leg 332 is disposed against the second barrel leg 334, and the two barrel legs 332 and 334 are formed downward. As shown in FIG. 9, the first barrel leg 332 and the second barrel leg 334 pass a hole of the object OBJ, and a washer hole 314 of the RFID washer 310. Then, the first barrel leg 332 and the second barrel leg 334 bend outwards, and fix the eyelet base 320 to the RFID washer 310. A separate press device may be utilized for bending the barrel legs 332 and 334, or a user may bend the barrel legs 332 and 334.

The RFID washer 310 is disposed against the eyelet base 320. The RFID washer 310 includes the eyelet substrate 312, the antenna 316, and the RFID chip 318. In this instance, the eyelet substrate 312 is formed in a shape of a tag, the antenna 316 is formed around the washer hole 314. The eyelet substrate 312 may be formed in a shape of a square or another tag form. The information such as the product number or the price may be indicated on the eyelet substrate 312, and the washer hole 314 is formed in the eyelet substrate 312.

As shown in FIG. 10, a portion of the antenna 316 is adjacent to the barrel legs 332 and 334. However, an inside diameter of the antenna 316 is greater than an external diameter of the rim 325, and a portion where the antenna 316 and the barrel legs 332 and 334 overlap is small. Accordingly, the antenna 316 may not be greatly affected by an electromagnetic communication. In this instance, it is desirable that the antenna 316 is spaced apart from the rim 325 or another eyelet component by at least approximately 5 mm.

The RPID chip 318 is installed on the eyelet substrate 312, and electrically connected with an antenna pattern of a copper thin film or an aluminum thin film which forms the antenna 316, and thereby forming the RPID washer 340. The antenna 316 and the RPID chip 318 are provided towards the eyelet base 320. The RPID washer 310 and the eyelet base 320 are fixed to each other. Accordingly, the antenna 316 and the RPID chip 318 are closely attached to the object OBJ. The object OBJ and the eyelet base 320 are sequentially formed on the RPID washer 310. An eyelet coupling device which is not shown, may engage an eyelet after arranging components of the RPID eyelet 300 described above and bending the barrel legs 332 and 334 outwards.

The antenna 316 is spaced apart from the rim 325 by a predetermined distance, and also from the barrel legs 332 and 334 by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the RPID washer 310 may transmit and receive a signal with respect to a data request from a reader-writer device despite an interference of the conductive material, and the RPID chip 318 may generate a signal in response to the signal received from the antenna 316 and/or modify stored data inside. The RPID eyelet 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may perform smooth communication with the reader- writer device in the low frequency band of less than approximately 13.56 MHz.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the RFID eyelet 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, improved communication efficiency may be provided by interposing a magnetic shield such as a ferrite between the rim 325 and the RPID washer 310. Also, a description of the present embodiment may refer to a description of the above-described embodiment, and another modified embodiment which has been described in the above-described embodiments may be applicable to the present embodiment.

Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Industrial Applicability According to the present invention, an RFID eyelet may effectively protect an

RFID washer from a harsh environment by fixing the RFID washer to an object, and occupies a relatively small space due to its small size.

Also, according to the present invention, an RFID eyelet may easily engage an eyelet, and an assembly process is simplified by integrally forming an RFID module and an eyelet washer. Also, according to the present invention, the RFID eyelet may be simply separated and recycled, and thereby may result in a reduction in RFID management or operation cost.

Also, according to the present invention, an RFID eyelet may perform smooth communication in a low frequency band by spacing an antenna apart from an RFID washer by a predetermined distance, although communication is disturbed by a neighboring conductive material when the conventional RFID tag is utilized in a low frequency band of less than or around approximately 13.56 MHz. Also, according to the present invention, the RFID washer may be effectively fixed and protected by using a structure of the RFID eyelet, and achieve an improved effect by adding another function to a conventional RFID eyelet.

Also, according to the present invention, since an eyelet is widely used in many fields in real life, the application field and ripple effects may enormously grow. Since a process of manufacturing and equipping the eyelet is also simple and many manufacturing facility systems already exist, the cost of combining an RFID technology and the eyelet may be lowered.

Also, according to the present invention, an RFID eyelet may be applicable to various fields by minimizing the size of a tag. Also, according to the present invention, since the RFID washer of the RFID eyelet is relatively high-priced, many economical effects may be obtained when the RFID washer is recycled. Accordingly, an eyelet structure which is easy to separate or dismantle is used, and thereby simply separating the high-priced RFID module after once using the RFID eyelet to recycle and obtaining economical effects caused by recycling.

Also, since eyelets of various shapes and designs are used, an RFID eyelet may be presented in various shapes and colors to elevate the value of goods.

Claims

1. An eyelet for RFID, comprising: an RFID washer including an eyelet substrate including a washer hole, an antenna formed on the eyelet substrate, and an RFID circuit formed on the eyelet substrate to be electrically connected with the antenna; and an eyelet base including a rim disposed against the RFID washer with an object therebetween, and a barrel integrally formed with the rim, passing through the object and the washer hole to be fixed to the RFID washer.

2. The eyelet of claim 1, wherein the eyelet substrate is formed in a multi-layer structure.

3. The eyelet of claim 2, wherein the antenna and the RFID circuit are interposed between layers of the multi-layer structure of the eyelet substrate.

4. The eyelet of claim 1, wherein the antenna of the RFID washer is spaced apart from a contour of the rim which is adjacent to the antenna by a predetermined distance.

5. The eyelet of claim 4, wherein the antenna is located outside of the rim.

6. The eyelet of claim 1 , wherein the barrel is formed in a shape of a pipe having a circular or polygonal cross section, and fixed to the RFID washer by being partially wound from an end of the barrel.

7. The eyelet of claim 1 , wherein the barrel comprises at least one barrel leg which is integrally formed with the rim, the barrel leg which passes the washer hole bends outward and fixes the eyelet base to the RFID washer.

8. The eyelet of claim 1, wherein at least one magnetic shield is interposed between the rim of the eyelet base and object or the RFID washer and the object.